How to Care for Invisalign® Retainers

If you just started your Invisalign® treatment, you have a lot to be excited about. You are on the way to a beautiful smile and the type of teeth you have always wanted. This does not mean you can forget about them and let the aligners do their work. You must do your part and properly maintain the mouthpiece.

The benefits of Invisalign

For centuries, people have looked for ways to straighten teeth and correct teeth issues. For a long time, metal braces were the only way to accomplish these goals. Recently, clear aligners have come onto the scene, presenting an alternative to getting a smile makeover. Invisalign has some advantages over braces. The aligners are not nearly as noticeable, and they are also removable. Many patients have a shorter treatment time, not to mention a more comfortable feel inside the mouth.

Keep track of the aligners

It is OK to remove the plastic trays from time to time. In fact, dentists highly advise doing this in certain situations. Patients should be mindful of where they put the aligners after doing this. Always keep the trays nearby when taking them out. This will reduce the risk of losing them or damaging the mouthpieces.

Soak the aligners each day

To keep the Invisalign trays looking nice and smelling good, patients should soak them in a solution daily. It is most effective to do this for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Wearers should place the trays in a denture cleaner or in Invisalign cleaning crystals. The patient’s dentist can also recommend different products.

Rinse thoroughly

Throughout the day, the trays will accumulate food particles and other debris. Saliva and mucous can also build up under the mouthpieces. Over time, this could discolor the appliance and cause it to smell foul. Patients should rinse the mouthpieces under water a few times a day, especially before retiring for the night and when waking up in the morning.

Brush and floss before replacing the trays

Patients should continue to be diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene once they start the Invisalign treatment. For good health, people should brush twice a day and floss daily. Make sure to do this before putting the trays back in the mouth. Failure to follow this rule could cause bacteria buildup in the trays.

Brush the mouthpieces too

The dentist will tell the patient to remove the Invisalign trays at mealtime. This will reduce the amount of food that gets stuck in them. Still, daily brushing of the trays is critical. Patients should do this with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Keeping up on this habit will keep bacteria away from the trays.

Keep them invisible

One of the biggest reasons you chose Invisalign treatment was for their cosmetic appeal. If you ignore these rules, your aligners could wear out, start to smell or even develop ugly stains. To avoid this, make it a point to maintain and clean the trays. Also, never let your aligners out of your sight. Your treatment will go well if you are diligent about following these tips.

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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